Disclaimer: I don't own Scandal, although some days I wish I did.

AN: Hi! I'm still here. I haven't forgotten about you all. I was going to post this a month ago and Evernote deleted 75% of the chapter the morning I was going to post. It has been like pulling teeth getting me to rewrite this because I've been writing future chapters, but here you have it. When we last left our couple, they just agreed to run for the presidency. Also, this chapter is dedicated to Liz and Nik. Liz for being so patient and helping me with my final. Nik for being my sounding board and letting me bounce ideas off her. Love you both. Now it's time to meet Nadia. Happy reading.


Chapter 14: Isn't She Lovely

Isn't she pretty

Truly the angel's best

Boy, I'm so happy

We have been heaven blessed

I can't believe what God has done

Through us he's given life to one

But isn't she lovely made from love

Stevie Wonder: Isn't She Lovely

December 2006

The holiday season was in full swing. Fitz and Olivia had been taking the proper steps for his run in the 2008 election. The kids had taken the news fairly well and seemed content. The couple had been going nonstop and it was nice to have family time. They group was out at the house in the Hamptons . They were seated in the Grant's living room amidst many cocktails and a large easel with chart paper standing in front of the fire place. Garrett really wanted to play Pictionary. According to him, he enjoyed drawing. Only Lord knows why because he was awful, it was actually pretty funny. He was a huge fan of the stick figure.

Fitz kept refilling Olivia's martini glass whenever she was getting low. They were all pretty toasted and having a blast. Even Sofia was going through red wine as though it was her last night on Earth. Thankfully, the Grant's had an enormous house because everyone planned on staying over, so no one had plans on going back to city until the next day.

"Okay everybody. It's my turn to pick out of the bowl," Camille announced, bouncing over to JR, who was holding the bowl. Reaching her small hand in, her fingers clutched a slip of paper. She unfolded it and stole a peek before she had a minute to figure out what she was going to draw for them to guess.

They were broken up into two teams: Olivia, Fitz, Camille, Dominic, Sofia, and Nancy on one side, while Garret, his wife Charlotte,Nancy's husband George, Wendy's husband Smith, JR, and Cassandra made up the other team. Olivia made herself super comfortable by snuggling into Fitz's side. When he slid his arm around her waist, his hand linked with hers as they rested them on her stomach.

Occasionally, he would rub his thumb back and forth causing her skin to prickle with delight while tickling her at the same time. Olivia would retaliate by nuzzling her nose along the length of his neck to his ear lobe only to place the gentlest of kisses there before giving it a little suck. That always drove Fitz wild. For the past couple of weeks, any little touch or kiss he would give her, no matter how chaste or innocent it was, instantly turned her on. Even earlier in the day when they'd been out shopping. One touch from Fitz's tongue to hers lips and they were close to behaving like teenagers.

"Oh good lord! Would you two please stop with that? First the car gets violated while shopping, giving the children a show and now this…you are infecting Mom and Dad with the love bug," Nancy pointed towards their parents, who were canoodling, JR rubbing Cassandra's knee.

"Leave your parents alone, Nancy," Camille chimed in. "I happen to think it's very sweet that a couple that age are still madly in love and aren't afraid to show it. They're what I hope I look like with my husband when I am older."

"Wait a minute. That husband had better be me," Dominic responded.

We all laughed in response as Dominic crossed his arms like some petulant child not getting his way. Camille slapped him on his arm playfully as she leaned in to say something to him.

"Well, if you play your cards right, mister,then you have nothing to worry about."

Charlotte and Camille high-fived each other in response, as everyone, save for Dominic, was in hysterics.

"Okay, okay…let's get back to the game," Camille breathed, trying to regulate her breath from laughing so hard.

Before she started drawing on the paper, she told everyone the category was a famous rock band. At first she drew a sky with stars; then she drew what looked like a seal along with peppers and a crazy looking flag.

"Cami, please give us something to work with here," Olivia screamed, all frustrated and very into the game. She glared at Fitz when he did nothing but laugh at her. She was such a competitive person ,and he found it cute when she was irritated at something.

"Babe, seriously, stop with the damn stars. What the…" Dominic was just as perplexed as Olivia

"Twenty-five seconds," Garrett, who was the time keeper, boomed. He was excited to try to guess so his team could get more points. The other team was currently beating him and it was driving Garrett crazy.

"The Village People," Fitz screamed, which made everyone guffaw and Olivia double over in laughter.

"Fitz, dear. The Village People aren't a damn rock band," Sofia said, shaking her head at her son in law who was too preoccupied with winning.

Olivia had no guess to offer up of her head until, Camille scribble something off to the side. It looked like four little raisins with legs. That's when her brain kicked it into high gear. Looking at what exactly Camille had drawn, Liv realized the objects from different songs that came from this band. Olivia jumped off the couch, thankful that she didn't fall over. Everyone looked at me like she was insane as she waved her hands and jumped up and down.

"The Beatles! It's the Beatles," she shouted, not even caring if she woke the kids up.

"Yes," Alice praised, jumping in Liv's direction and engulfing her in a hug. " This is why you're my favorite person!" She stopped suddenly, her hands at her hips and shaking her finger at Jasper and Fitz, who were wearing the same deer in headlight expression. "And I can't believe you two! The Village People? Seriously Fitz, that's the best you could come up with. And honey, love of my life…those stars were diamonds. You know like Lucy in the sky with diamonds?"

"You're so smart, Livvie. Even when you're tispy," Fitz announced, and the room laughed.

As Olivia sat down, Fitz bumped fists with her, planting a quick kiss forehead.


January 2007

Fitz and Jerry had been out at the park. Karen had chosen to stay with Mellie and have a mother daughter weekend. When Fitz and Jerry arrived home, he could see the unshed tears in Liv's eyes. He told Jerry to go clean up and then call his mother, knowing his son would give Mellie a detail encounter of hos day.

"Liv, are we okay," Fitz dove right in head first. Knowing it wasn't wise to beat around the bush.

"What? Yeah. Wh…why would you ask that," she stuttered quietly. She looked so scared and it made his heart ache even let out a big sigh.

"Because you haven't been yourself lately. You seem to be sick an awful lot and it could be because of stress. Stress can really beat the crap out of you. I just wish you would tell me what was wrong with you, Livvie. Please, Baby, tell me what's bothering you," he pleaded, taking her hand and lacing it with his own. He needed her touch like he needed air because he had a feeling that she was slipping away from him and it scared him to death.

"Nothing's wrong, Fitz. Really, I swear," she stated quietly. Her face still looked so fucking pained, and he was at my wit's end. He knew she was keeping something from him. Pulling away from her completely, he shot up from the couch.

"Stop lying to me, Olivia!" he shouted. "There is something gnawing away at you. You should know by now I know you better than I do myself... Now time and time again you've told me you're okay with me running, but I don't think so. I'm beginning to think that this isn't what you want but you're willing to risk us ," he lowered his voice, but it was still firm.

"What? Fitz, please…" Olivia sat up at his words, paying attention to what he was saying. Maybe he would get through to her.

"I don't know," Fitz went on, interrupting her. "Maybe I haven't been attentive enough. I should have waited until you were really ready for this. I'm young. I didn't have to pick now to run. "

"No, wait…Fitz, that's not it. I don't regret agreeing to the campaign, honestly," Olivia tried again, but Fitz just didn't stop.

"I feel like an idiot because I don't want to lose you. I don't know what I would do if you ever left me, Olivia. You make my life so complete…I would love to be president , but if you can't handle the distance and pressure right now, then I will wait until you're ready for this...I will give you all time you need , if that's what you need."

"Fitz, no! Please listen to me. I'll tell you what's wrong with me," Olivia raised her voice, demanding to be heard. She raised her hands, reaching for Fitz's arms and trying to pull him back down on the couch. He backed away from her, not wanting to sit down.

"I can quit the campaign, but I can't let go of you. I'll fight for you, Livvie. I swear to everything that is good and holy. If you're feeling neglected and abandoned."

"But that's not it. I'm not feeling abandoned, Fitz. Please sit down and hear what I have to say!"

"I told you I wouldn't let this marriage become one of politics. I've been traveling a great deal and dragging you to benefits and fundraisers , but I don't need it. I'm happy with the life we've built , and I don't want to lose that. You are my everything. I thought we were beyond the insecurities in the relationship. I thought after Beth we worked beyond this. And I love you with every fiber of my being. God I wish I could take your insecurities and your past pain away and just tear it to fucking shreds!"

"Fitz!"

"It kills me every time you look so stressed. I just want to shield you from any harm and ridicule …"

"Damn it, Fitz! Will you stop for one second and listen to me? I'm pregnant. Look," Olivia shouted, turning his attention to twelve pregnancy tests that all read positive. Then she quickly covered her face with her hands and quietly sobbed.

Olivia looked up and met his blank stare. He couldn't even open his mouth, so he stayed where he was. Tears were flowing freely from her beautiful brown eyes ,and he desperately wanted to go to her and wipe them away, but he couldn't move.

"This was my fear... I'm so sorry, Fitz. What you must think of me now that you know. I didn't mean to get pregnant, it just sort of happened, I guess. It was around the time I had gotten strep from you and Jer and was put on that medication for it. It messed my birth control up , and we've never used condoms"

She hid her face from him again and continued to sob. His Livvie didn't cry, not like this. Not unless she was pregnant and stressed. When she took a breath and started to speak, she didn't even tilt her face back up towards his.

"And now, I've ruined everything," she cried through her hands. "I love you so much that now I'm afraid you're going to be upset , because you think that I purposely got pregnant to keep you from running, but that's not the case, Fitz. God, what am I going to do? Things were going to be different this time when we had a baby. It was going to be planned. After the campaign so you could enjoy all the little day to day moments you missed before... and now you're going to get those moments but at the cost of your dream. You're going to drop out because that's who you are. Family first but I don't want you to quit , Fitz baby. "

Olivia was beyond consolable now. She was hiccupping and her chest was heaving as she continued to sob uncontrollably. Slowly, he sparked back to life as Olivia's words sank in deeper and deeper, rewiring his nerves to communicate with one another again, sending the proper signals to his brain so he could move and speak.

"Hey, Livvie…shhh…It's okay. Look at me," he kneeled in front of her and soothed softly, afraid that she would flinch away from his touch as he turned her face to look at him. As he looked at her , all he could think how gorgeous she was, with puffy eyes and runny nose. She was beautiful because she was a good person with a kind soul, and was carrying his baby. His smile finally broke free, exposing his teeth. He was elated, but felt terrible not shutting the hell up and listening to her before she exploded. Regret poured over Fitz as he started to speak.

"I'm the one who's sorry, Livvie. I didn't let you get a word in edgewise, because I'm stubborn and don't worry about the campaign. We'll figure it all out. I can still run if you think you can handle it. What did I tell you with Beth? Do you remember," he probed as he stared at her red rimmed eyes.

" You told me " it doesn't have to be difficult. It may not be what we originally planned , but it sure isn't the end of the world turned"," she answered him, think back to that winter day.

"That still applies. When are you going to learn that, Livvie," He quickly to grab tissue and Olivia allowed him to pat her eyes dry, but she opted to blow her own nose.

"This isn't how I had imagined telling you," she sniffled, fiddling with the used napkin in her hand and not making any eye contact with me. "I wanted it to be different this time. No tears. I was going to blindfold you..."

"Someone is feeling a little naughty tonight," Fitz teased and she offered a laugh. "There it is," she smiled down at her.

"I was going to blindfold you and lead you to the tests. The plan was, I was going to tell you when you got home today, after we got Jerry settled in after dinner. But then you found me like this…and well, you know the rest," she muttered softly.

"Livvie, I feel like an asshole for yelling. I was just so frustrated that we'd fallen back into the pattern of you now leaning on me , and here you were nervous about telling me that you were pregnant. Nervous about my campaign. "

He thought about how tired she'd been lately, but yet her face had this angelic glow to it, brightening her stunning features. He thought about her eating habits and how she was eating certain foods she had not eaten since her first pregnancy. It was as though he was walking around in a clueless fog, not paying any attention to the telltale signals. He should have known! They had been through this before.

"So…you're not…you're upset," Olivia asked hesitantly, trying to keep eye contact with him.

"Upset? What? No, Livvie, I'm not upset at all," he started, moving between her legs. His hands instinctively gravitating towards her stomach, as though there was a magnetic force pulling in its direction. They slipped underneath the hem of her shirt in search for its goal.

Placing the palm of his hands across her belly, he pushed down and felt the familiar hardness he remembered feeling from their first pregnancy. Olivia gasped at the feel of his warm hand on her naked stomach. She tilted her head to the side, smiling her breathtaking smile and he couldn't help but reciprocate with a matching one of his own.

They were quiet for a few minutes as he glided his hands along her silky, smooth skin. He marveled at the fact that she was growing another child inside of her. He couldn't wait to tell the kids because he knew they would be so happy. He was relieved to see that his Livvie had returned, not a hint of nervousness in sight, as he gazed at her amazement.

"My baby," he whispered, talking to Olivia's stomach.

"Yes, it is," Olivia answered just as quietly. "Tell me what you're thinking?" She started to run her fingers through his hair as his hands rested atop their child.

"I'm thinking so many things right now, and they are all good thoughts, like how I couldn't be happier than in sharing this moment with you. I'm equally amazed that I am going to be a father again, and I am so excited, Livvie ."

"As am I. Things are going to be different this time. I can feel it."

"I can too. And you know, you can blame this on me," he grinned.

"How so?"

"Well I gave you strep and then I knocked you up."

"That you did. That you did. So every time I have some weird craving…"

"I'll be at your beck and call. Day or night," he promised, kissing her nose.

"I'm going hold you to that, Fitz," she laughed as she leaned in and kissed him soundly.

"I'd expect nothing less."


February 2007

The night before Olivia's second doctor's appointment, week 9 of the pregnancy according to the book Fitz was reading, she snuggled up in bed with him. Sex was still a hit or miss with them. She had the will. She had the desire. However between the vomiting and the fatigue, they had to work quickly sometimes. It wasn't uncommon for Olivia to fall asleep before Fitz even pulled the covers up. He had learned not to take it personally when she was sound asleep almost before he finished running the wash cloth down her thighs.

She had snuck in a nap while he made dinner , and neither had an evening function, so they had the whole evening together. Olivia would even sleep a little while the kids and Fitz watched television when they would visit, though she denied it. Of course, they had all seen the little drool stain left on Fitz's shirt.

"Fitz" she asked quietly. "Can we talk?"

Those words didn't quite make him panic anymore, but they never made him feel really good either.

"Sure," he said, wondering if she would stay awake long enough.

"The baby's due in September," she said. "I'll be taking my eight weeks, but I'm not sure I'll be as active in your campaign.."

"Uh huh," Fitz murmured, noticing that her breast really were bigger and more sensitive too. Fitz brushed his knuckles across one nipple and she hissed..

"Just hold on there, mister," she said sternly and pulled the cover up over her breasts. He wanted to snuggled up close and began kissing her neck.

"Yeah...?"

She sighed and gave him a little push. "I swear, you have a one track mind and it's derailed," she muttered.

Fitz leaned back with a sigh and made the pouty face that usually got me out of trouble.

"Sorry," he whispered. "I'm listening."

Olivia gave him one more good frown and then yanked the covers up to her chin. "Well, I was wondering if you'd be okay with my absence from the campaign? It wasn't in the original plan."

She seemed anxious about his reply. Fitz had wanted to ask Liv if she'd take a leave of absence from her job , but he knew how much she loved her job. He was already asking so much of her for by even running, he refused to put even more pressure her.

"We'll make it work," he promised.

"Are you sure," she asked, playing with her hair and pressing her soft breast against his chest.

"I'm sure," he said. "Cyrus and my dad will keep everything in order. You'll eventually be campaigning with an infant. As brilliant as you are, I don't want you to worry about my political career right now... I trust your judgment. If you say campaigning is more important, then that's what we'll do. I'm not going to bully you into something you may later resent me for. I just want you to focus your time on Popcorn and work. "

"Well alright then,".Olivia nodded." Is that the only thing you want me to focus on," she whispered and Fitz grinned.

He pushed his erection against her hip. They hadn't been intimate in almost two week. All Fitz knew was that it still felt really, really good to be inside of her. He wanted to be there right now. He missed her

"Well I can think of a few more items. You are excellent at multitasking," Fitz whispered as he tugged up her tee shirt and plucked at her nipples. Then he was sliding her panties down and sure enough she was more than ready.

Fitz rolled so that Olivia was on top, and she settled over him with a sigh. He enjoyed the view a lot. Her breasts swayed with her movements and his hands found their way to her new curves.

Olivia managed to stay awake long enough for them both to enjoy themselves.


Early May 2007

Olivia and Camille been out all morning. Camille had been to a few conferences. Olivia had been juggling work and helping Mellie with the kids when Fitz was out fundraising.

Olivia was trying to keep her stress levels down and keep her work load light this pregnancy. She made sure to keep up with her yoga, Pilates, and frequent spa trips. With Mother's Day coming up, Camille treated her cousin to a spa day and brunch.

The two made stops Saks, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Coach before heading back to the loft. The pair entered, hands filled with bags, laughing at some men who hit on them. The pickup lines they'd used had been so lame, the cousins could do nothing but laugh. When they'd made their way inside, they were greeted with the sound of 90s rap music. Camille gave Olivia a pointed look and Olivia just shrugged. There wasn't much she could say about her husband's taste in music.

Leaving their bags near the door way, they made their way towards the music. In the kitchen, Fitz was barefoot in a pair of old jeans and a snug fitting white shirt that hugged his biceps nicely. His curls were still damp, an indication he'd worked out earlier.

He was standing over the stove, his head bobbing to the beat as he stirred the pasta. He recited the lyrics, unaware of his audience.

"Throw your hands in the air if you're a true player. I love it when you call me big papa."

Camille and Olivia stood in the threshold, watching as he bounced to the rhythm, turning off the stove, and moving to retrieve a plate from the cabinet. Camille turned to Olivia, both holding back their laughter.

Olivia and Camille stood in the doorframe, with amused expressions as he began to rap to Biggie.

"To all the ladies in the place with style and grace allow me to lace these lyrical duches in your bushes. Who rock grooves and make moves with all the mommies?"

Camille turned to Olivia, her hand over her mouth to stop her laughter from escaping. She leaned into her cousin who stood with a twin expression, rubbing circles over her swollen abdomen.

"Libby, what is going on here," Camille whispered, not wanting to alarm Fitz who had just reached for a plate. He was still oblivious to his audience, as he continued to recite the lyrics.

"This is Fitz being Fitz," Liv answered with a grin. She was used to her husband's taste in music. He often walked through the house singing some tune, especially when he cooked or thought he was alone. He damp curls shook as he bobbed his head to the beat which filled the loft. When he hit the chorus the second time, Olivia decided to alert him of their presence.

"I love it when you call me big poppa," he repeated, placing a fork on his plate. " Throw your hands in the air if youse a true player."

"I love it when you call me lil' momma," Olivia added her own little twist to the verse and Fitz spun around in shock.

"Livvie," he exclaimed. His shocked expression quickly morphed into a grin. She walked towards him and he extended his arms to invite her into an embrace.

"Hi, big poppa," she giggled.

"Hi, lil momma," he dipped his head to kiss her quickly. "and hello to you too lil one," he stood back and placed a hand on her belly.

"I take it you had a good workout," Olivia teased.

"I did," he nodded, peering down at her. He brushed a few curls out of her face as she smiled back at him. "Are you hungry?"

"We can always eat," Olivia answered.

Fitz turned around and reached into the cabinet for another plate. Liv moved back to the doorframe where Camille was standing with a smile.

"If the two of you weren't so damn cute, I'd be offended by the lack of acknowledgement where my presence is concerned."

"Oh Cami, hello," Fitz greeted.

"Hello to you too Big Poppa," Camille poked at him.

"Don't pick at me or my Lil Momma will come after you! Isn't that right, Livvie," he asked as he pulled his wife to him and nuzzled Liv's neck.

"You two are crazy you that, the both of you," Olivia looked between them with laughs.

"Me, he's the one that's over 40 and rapping to Biggie Smalls," Camille shouted and Olivia threw her head back in laughter at her cousin's expression.

"Hey, Biggie and Pac to two greats! Just because I'm a white boy from Cali, it doesn't mean I can't appreciate them," Fitz defended with a grin of his own.

"You know Fitz, I've know you for fours years, and you never stop surprising me," Camille admitted. "It's refreshing."

"Ask, Livvie. I'm full of surprises," his tone dropped a few octaves and Olivia turned her head to meet his gaze.

"Hey now, you already have a little on in the over. No need for the bedroom eyes. At least while I'm here. Feed me and then I'll leave."

"Yes, she's right! Feed us," Olivia nodded to add meaning to her statement. Just as she said her words, Fitz felt a kick. "See, even your precious agrees with us. Feed us, Big Poppa."

"Alright. Alright," Fitz let go of Olivia. "You Pope women and your food. Two point five plates coming up," he said, turning on his heels.

"Thanks Big Poppa," Camille called as he walked away.

"Yes. Thanks Big Poppa," Olivia added on.

"I love it when you call me Big Poppa," Fitz began to rap again, leaving the cousins to laugh.

"There is never a dull moment in this place is there?"

"Not a single one," Olivia shook her head. "This little one will certainly be in a treat."


June 2007

Everyone piled into the Range Rover and Fitz drove them to the doctor's office. He was nervous for some unknown reason. He knew that finding out the baby's sex was going to change things in a way. "Popcorn" was going to be a son or a daughter, and that made things a lot more real.

Olivia drank water the whole way there and by the time they arrived, Fitz was able to tell Olivia was uncomfortable. Karen was telling Jerry all about how sonograms worked and Jerry was just practically buzzing with excitement.

"It's gonna be a girl," Jerry told Fitz with great confidence. That was when Fitz started to feel nauseous. He wanted another little girl, but it stirred up emotions of Beth.

Before Fitz knew it, they were calling Olivia's name, and they were all filing into the small room. It hadn't seemed small at all until the kids filled it up. Annie, the tech, took one look at the kids and just grinned.

"Well now..." she said. She'd heard stories of the kids from their first pregnancy but this was her first time meeting them.

Annie made small talk as Olivia hitched up her shirt and tucked one cover in the waistband of Liv's new maternity shorts.

The tech passed the wand over and over Liv's belly. This time when Fitz looked at the screen, he was quite proud to realize that he could identify limbs. And a face. That was their baby's profile. He or she had a small little nose and a cute little chin.

"Your baby is sucking its thumb," the tech said, pointing to the screen. Karen's eyes went wide.

More adjustments of the switches and the wand and some pressing on the belly and the tech stopped and looked at them with a wide smile. "Do you want to know the sex?"

"Yes, yes, we want to know!" Jerry almost squealed. "We have to know!"

The tech laughed but looked at Olivia and then at Fitz. "Well, Mommy and Daddy...?"

Fitz took a deep breath, met Liv's eyes and she nodded. "We want to know," he replied.

Annie nodded and pointed to the screen. "Here are the baby's legs," she said.

"Is that a...uh...penis," Karen asked.

The tech shook her head and smiled. "Nope, that's the umbilical cord," she told Karen, and she traced the cord on the screen. "Here's the heart, which is beating at a perfectly normal 150 beats per minute." She was dragging it out on purpose, Fitz just knew it. Once more, she was pointing at the screen. Olivia felt everyone in the room holding their breath. "And this...well this is what tells us that your baby is a girl."

Jerry started his little victory dance. He looked at Karen and began crowing in triumph. "Who called it? Who said it was a girl," Jerry held up his hand. "I did, that's right, I did," He hooted. " I'm the best. I'm the most awesome big brother alive!"

Olivia just looked stunned, and Fitzknew how she felt. They were going to have a daughter.

"Another little girl," Olivia whispered and Fitz turned to her with a smile.

"Another little girl," Fitz kissed her forehead. With those words, he knew in his heart it would be different.


August 2007

Olivia rolled over to look at the clock on the nightstand.

1:15 AM

She'd been in bed for well over four hours. She and Fitz had stayed up finished the crossword puzzle and reading a book to the baby. He had fallen asleep a little after midnight with his hands planted on her swollen abdomen, hoping to feel their little Popcorn kick.

"If only he'd waited ten minutes," Olivia thought to herself as she felt her daughter kick her. The little one was up, active, and craving ice cream. Olivia rolled back into Fitz's side. She laid for a few minutes, contemplating if she's wake him up. As the kicks persisted, she decided to wake him.

"Fitz," she called softly, stroking his curls. "Fitz," she said agree and he moaned. His head nuzzled into her hair and he tightened his grip on her.

"Fitzgerald," she switch and he groaned.

"Yes, Liv."

"I'm sorry for waking you up," her voice came tenderly as she stroked his curls. She truly didn't want to wake him but she really wanted her ice cream.

"What time is it," his words came out mumbled as he rolled over to turn on the light.

"Close to 1:30."

"What is that you need, and how long have you been awake? I know you've probably been lying here for a while," he inquired as he rubbed his eye to adjust to the light.

"I never went to sleep, and I really want some ice cream," she said innocently as she rubbed her swollen abdomen. "We both do."

"Ice cream. I can do that. I'll go do and get you a bowl of ice cream now," he rolled out of bed, but Olivia's arm stopped him.

"No, not the kind we have downstairs. You know the ice cream we always get when we go to Mo'Ma's house. I want that. The strawberry cheesecake," Liv corrected him, reading his facial expression. He looked at he dumbfounded.

"You want me to go all the way to Brooklyn, at," he turned his head to the clock, "1:27 in the morning to get you some ice cream?"

"Please, Fitz. You know I wouldn't ask if I didn't really want it. Especially not at this time of night. You know how much I love the ice cream from that bodega and we can't get it here. Please, Fitz baby," her doe eyes wide and almost childlike.

"Alright, I'll go get you your ice cream," he sighed, and leaned in to kiss her. "Anything for my girls."

"Thank you," she gave him a quick kiss.

"Is there anything else you want?"

"Oh, you know that juice they have. The one I eat with the chips. Will you grab those too."

"Sure, Livvie," He slipped on his sneakers and hoodie.

"Be safe, Fitz baby."

"Always. Love you, Livvie."

"Love you too."

"The things I do for love," he shook his head as he looked back her. She had a book in one hand and the other was resting on her belly. He knew only love who have him venturing into Brooklyn after midnight, but he'd do anything for Olivia. Even getting her ice cream at 1:30 in the morning.


September 12th,2007

Fitz was in a taxi, on his way to JFK when he received a call from Joey telling him to get to the hospital. He was on his way to Florida for one of the debates but quickly cancelled those plans and had the cab driver turn around. There was no way he was missing the birth of his daughter. Olivia and their little girl needed him.

"Come on, Olivia. One more push and this baby will be out," her obstetrician said. Olivia's water broke late in the evening and the contractions came on strong after that.

Olivia gripped Fitz's hand so tightly he thought she was going to break it. She pushed and let out a feral grunt while doing it. Her breathing was labored and her curly hair was pressed against her damp forehead.

"That's good!" the obstetrician encouraged her.

"Livvie, you're doing wonderful baby," Fitz cheered her on from behind her. He'd crawled in the bed, allowing her to recline back on him. He leaned down and kissed her shoulder. Before he could add onto his sentence, he heard it. The noise he'd been waiting to hear since he'd first laid eyes on his wife. Their child's cry. Strong. Loud. Powerful.

"Daddy, do you want to cut the cord?"

Fitz glanced at Olivia quickly. With tears in her eyes, she gave him a weak nod. Quickly, Fitz kissed her head, whispering "love you" and scrambled towards his newborn daughter. It seemed to Fitz that he hadn't taken a real breath since he had seen received the call from Olivia's personal assistant.

As he cut the cord, he felt something warm and wet on his cheeks. Then she was in Olivia's arms, and Fitz found herself gravitating toward her like the moon toward the earth. She was an irresistible force.

Fitz's fingers touched her fuzzy little head and he could see the glint of light brown in the wet mass. They were soaking in the reality of the baby and were barely aware of all the stuff that comes after. It was only them and Popcorn.

"Hi," Fitz smiled.

"Hi."

"You did great, Livvie. So much better than I could ever do!"

"What else is new," Olivia laughed as a few tears left her eyes.

"I love you," Fitz kissed her quickly.

"I love you too."


Liv held Nadia for a few minutes and then she looked up at me. Fitz knew he must have been staring or sitting there like an idiot because Liv gave a tired little laugh and shook her head. "I can see you're dying to get your hands on her," she said. "So here, Daddy."

Then Nadia was in his hands. She was warm and heavy and impossibly light at the same time. The weight came from her significance in his life, but her size made her fragile. Fitz noticed she was trying to open her eyes to look at him, but the lights seemed to bother her, so he shaded her eyes and was rewarded with a look into his daughter's eyes for the first time. They were bluish grey with flecks of dark green and quite unfocused. They were the most beautiful eyes he'd ever seen, though Liv's gave them a run for their money.

Her cheeks were plump and rounded and pink. Her ears were tiny and pressed up against her damp skull. As her hair dried, more and more light brown peeking through. And not just peeking, this was blazing. The drier it got, the lighter it was full on an entire head of light brown wondered if her eyes would turn brown like Liv's or stay like his, or maybe some color they weren't expecting, because it was hidden way back on the family tree.

There was a soft knock on the door and it was the nurse. "Uh...you have some very anxious visitors out here," she said.

"Quit pushing," Karen's voice came.

"She's gonna like me best," Jerry declared.

Fitz looked at Liv and laughed, asking her silently if it was okay. "I'm only surprised they lasted this long," she said with a small smile. Fitz nodded at the nurse,letting her know it was okay to let them door opened and in they came. They heard Jerry say, "Me first."

"Guys, meet your sister, Nadia Giselle Grant," Fitz announced, holding her up a little bit.

"She's so tiny " Jerry commented.

"Yes, she is. You were this size when you were born. Actually, you were smaller than this" Fitz chuckled to himself

"How big was I?"

"Let's see... Karen was 6 lbs 2oz. Jerry, you were 7 lbs 14 oz. and Nadia is an even 8lbs. She beat you by 2 ounces. "

"I'm holding her first," Karen said. Fitz was sort surprised by her declaration.

"All right," Fitz said. He was going to ask her to sit down when she surprised him by sinking into the chair by Liv's bed without any prompting.

Fitz placed Nadia in Karen's arms ,and she leaned back and put one hand on new sibling's little chest. Then Nadia reached up and wrapped a little hand around one of Karen's fingers. She couldn't quite make it, but her grip seemed strong. Karen remained silent. She didn't have to say a word. The oldest and the youngest, with everyone in between looking on.

Fitz looked over and caught Olivia wiping away a tear. It was like Nadia had somehow completed them as a family. She belonged to all of them, by blood and bond. The blood didn't matter, but the bond. She was the piece they didn't know they were missing.

It took some doing to get Nadia out of Karen's arms. Only some pretty persistent nagging by her brother did the trick. Fitz was a bit nervous made when Jerry hopped into the "baby holding" chair and held out his hands, still wriggling around.

"You have to sit still," Olivia cautioned, seeing the apprehension in her husband's eyes. It was no secret that stillness and Jerry were opposing concepts, but Fitz could see that he was going to give it a try. As Jerry held his new sister , he fell in love. He held her for a few minutes, telling her about all the adventures they'd have to bug Karen. When the newborn began to squirm, he turned to Olivia who reached over and scooped up her daughter.

"Nadia is already giving Jerry a hard time. I love it," Karen teased her younger brother, ruffling his hair.

Then Camille stuck her head in. "Sorry, I can't stand it anymore."

"Hey Camille," Fitz greeted with a warm hug.

"Hello to you too, Big Poppa and congrats," Cami teased as she pulled away from the hug. She quickly turned her attention to the bed.

"Oh my, she is so big yet tiny," Camille squeaked. She took in her newborn goddaughter's features. "I can't believe she's finally here!"

Olivia smiled, glancing up quickly from her daughter to address the her cousin holding the camera.

"I know, Cami, me either."

"And what about you, Daddy? What do you think," Camille asked, panning up to allow Fitz in the shot. He beamed at her a moment before looking back down at his wife. "She's perfect," he said, leaning down to press a kiss to Olivia's hair and lightly stroking his daughter's cheek. "They both are."

"You aren't too bad yourself, Dr. Grant," Olivia tilted her head upwards to give him a quick kiss.

"Liv, can I hold Nadia again," Karen asked quietly as she stared at the baby. The young girl was so happy that things had turned out differently this time, and that this little sister was born healthy and happy.

"Why don't we let Camille hold her first," Olivia responded.

"Oh no, I made a deal with Aunt Sof. She let me come in first as long as I didn't hold her," Camille shared.

"Well, there's your answer," Liv smiled at her step daughter.

"Here, I'll take her," Fitz said as Camille sat on the bed next to Liv.

"Libby," Camille leaned, whispering on Olivia's ear like she did when they were children.

"Que, Cami," Olivia turned to look at her.

"You're a mommy. Can you believe it? You're someone's mom," Cami gushed as she wrapped her arm around her cousin.

"I'm someone's mom, and it's a wonderful feeling," Olivia beamed. "Who would've thought I'd get married first. Let alone have a baby first?"

"Certainly not me, but you're a great wife and fantastic stepmom. You'll be an even better mother to that adorable little girl," Camille boasted as Olivia placed her head on Camille'a shoulder.

"You think so?"

"I know so. Nadi is going to be the most adored and brilliant little girl in the world because she has a dad like FGIII over there and a mom like you," Camille assured with a squeeze.

"And a godmom like you," Olivia smiled.

"And a godmom like me."

"And Nadi?"

"She has to fit in. Libby. Cami. Nadi. Can't have my god baby feeling left out."

"Oh I love you, Cami."

"I love you too, Libby."


At the moment, they are alone in the room. All the nurses and doctors are off to the next delivery, giving them the quiet that they so need. Their family and friends had retreated, promising to see them when they arrived home.

Fitz was cradling Nadia in his arms, cooing with his eyes focused on every movement she makes. As Liv watched from the bed, she couldn't help but feel satisfied and content. Fitz proved to be a wonderful partner in life, an incredible husband, and phenomenal new father.

"You did so good, Livvie," Fitz held Nadia up, their cheeks pressed together as he smiles at his wife.

"I did, didn't I? She's certainly worth all of the stress and tears and heartache we've endured. I'd do it all over again," Olivia agreed with a nod, her eyes darting between her husband and daughter. Fitz placed the baby in Liv's arms, giving her a sweet kiss in the process. Nadia wiggled and let out a yawn that moved her face. Automatically, Olivia's fingers moved to caress her cheeks, the warm and smooth skin already familiar to her.

The TV was on low in the room, both of them wanting to see what was being reported about that day's debate in Florida. Then Fitz heard his names and reached for the remote to turn up the volume.

"During today's debated, one candidate was missing, Gov. Fitzgerald Grant "

The screen is filled with two clips from the debate and then a picture of Fitz. Then a few photos of Fitz and Olivia filled covered the screen.

" Well, we checked and found out that Olivia Pope, wife of Grant, went into labor with their second child as Gov. Grant was headed to the airport. Gov. Grant's camp has confirmed that their daughter, Nadia Giselle Grant was born earlier today. Congratulations, Gov. Grant and Ms. Pope."


November 2007

"What are you doing Livi,"Fitz whispered into the darkened room.

"Nothing," Olivia replied from a rocking chair, her hand running soothing circles over Nadia's small back as she slept on her chest, snuggled to Liv's bosom. "I wanted to hold her since I got back late from dinner."

"You got her out of her crib just to hold her? Do you know how long it took me to put her down without you, " Fitz playfully admonished. He offered a smirk, his eyes soft and deep in the dim light as he gazed adoringly at his daughter.

"I missed her!"

"She missed you too," he murmured," but she had fun with Daddy."

"Of course she did. She's a daddy's girl through-and-through," Liv told him. "But she stills loves her mommy."

Olivia smiled fully, continuing to stroke Nadia's back, up into her little curly brown hair and over her plump cheek with gentle fingertips. After a peaceful few moments of watching her sleep, she raised her eyes to Fitz, offering a soft smile and extending a hand. Fitz reached for hers, their fingers tangling together.

"We made this little angel."

"We sure did," Olivia agreed with wonder.

"So when do you think we can make another," Fitz asked, with an impish twinkle in his eye.

Olivia laughed loudly, causing Nadia to stir slightly so she lowered her voice to reply. "Maybe after you become the President, because there is no way in hell I'm going to waddle all over this country eight months pregnant in a pair of flats or flip-flops. Not acceptable."

"Of course not. We'll be make it to the White House first. Then we'll work from there," Fitz promised. He couldn't wait for them to start the next chapter of their lives. Things had been different and he only hoped they'd continue on this positive path.

AN: And there you have it. Nadia is here. She's healthy, happy, and loved! Next up, the trail. I promise this will be posted before the end of the month. I have lots of free time before graduation. And aren't you all excited with last week's episode. I know I am. Thanks for reading and reviewing. You all are awesome.

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